About

Who was Ian Potter?

Sir Ian Potter was a successful stockbroker and merchant banker, most often known through his broking company Ian Potter & Co., which later became Potter Partners and then Potter Warburg. He was born in Sydney in 1902, but spent most of his adult life in Melbourne. Sir Ian Potter was a philanthropist with a keen interest in supporting the development of Australian Cultural life.
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Where does the money come from?

The Ian Potter Cultural Trust receives all of its funding from The Ian Potter Foundation.

What is the difference between the Cultural Trust and the Foundation?

The Ian Potter Cultural Trust:

• Makes grants to individuals to the maximum sum of $7,000
• Only makes grants for projects in cultural and arts fields
• Is funded on an ongoing basis by The Ian Potter Foundation.

The Ian Potter Foundation:

• Makes grants to organisations that have both Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status
• Makes grants in the areas of arts, community wellbeing, education, environment and conservation, health, medical research and science.

Who reviews my application, and what is the process for deciding which applications will be funded?

Every application is reviewed by an expert external reviewer, and the staff of the Trust. A recommendation is made by the reviewers, and these recommendations are forwarded to the Trustees for consideration at their meetings.

How long will it be before I have an outcome?

We respond to all applications between two and a half and three months after the closing date

What are my chances of success?

Many more applications are received than can be supported. The amount granted is often not the full amount requested, and a grant may be made conditionally upon the balance of funding being secured from other sources.

Can I re-apply in future if I’m unsuccessful this time?

Yes, but only if you are seeking money for a different purpose or project.

Can I apply again if I’ve already had a grant from the Trust?

Yes, but not within 12 months of the first grant. A final report on the previous grant must have been received by the Trust.

Do you make grants to organisations?

No. The Trust only makes grants to individuals. The Ian Potter Foundation is a separate funding body, which does make grants to organisations.

Should I discuss my application with someone from the Trust?

If you have questions that are not answered on this website the Program Manager is happy to speak to you. Once we have received your application we may contact you to request further information or clarification.

How do I know if the Trust would consider my request?

The receipt of your application will be acknowledged and providing you have read this information and your project meets our guidelines, you can be confident that your application will be considered. If it is ineligible for consideration you will be notified.

Can I also apply to other foundations or trusts that might be interested in funding my project?

Yes. The Ian Potter Cultural Trust is happy to fund projects in partnership with other philanthropic, corporate or government sources. It is helpful to state in your letter of application the amount being requested from other funders and when you anticipate you will be advised of an outcome.